PRAIRIE VILLAGE ? Free State High has finished in the top three in each of the last five Sunflower League tennis meets, and FSHS coach Jon Renberger wants that trend to continue today at Shawnee Mission East.

“We’re playing with a lot of confidence and expect to perform well,” said Renberger, whose team won three straight titles before finishing second in 2002 and third last year. “Not only is league an important event, but a lot of the teams in our league are in our region, so it’s important because of what it could do for seeding next Monday at regional.”

Senior Jamie McGovern (10-6) will play No. 1 singles for Free State; sophomore Julia Guard (4-2) will fill the No. 2 role.

Junior Andrea Koch and sophomore Leigh Luina (5-4) will play No. 1 doubles; juniors Meghan Bock and Andrea Koch (7-3) will play No. 2 doubles.

Renberger hopes his team can crack the top three.

“I don’t think there’s any doubt Shawnee Mission East is the strongest team,” Renberger said. “I’d be shocked if they didn’t win. Top to bottom, they’re loaded with talent.”

Lawrence High has been solid in doubles, but coach Dick Wedel has used four different players at No. 1 singles.

“We don’t have a powerful No. 1 singles player,” Wedel said. “We’ve asked some different people to play, and they’ve taken some lumps.”

LHS had challenge matches Monday to determine today’s lineup. Junior Emily Thompson (3-3) will take the No. 1 slot, while senior Cara Breedan (5-9) will play No. 2 singles.

Senior Amy Bullerman and sophomore Lauren Kelly (8-8) will play No. 1 doubles for LHS, and seniors Katie Robertson and Shannon Wanna (13-5) will play No. 2 doubles.